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How much should you charge for photography?

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How much should I charge for *fill in the blank* type of photography? This question gets asked so many times around the internet that you’d think we would be able to answer that by now. But no, even after several years in business, it seems that most photographers are no closer to answering that.

Do you charge by the hour? By the project? By the day? Do you figure out your Cost Of Doing Business and divide it by the number of days you want to work? That’s the fast track to out-pricing yourself, says Scott from Tin House Studio. In this video, he explains how photographers need to approach their pricing these days to remain competitive.

Secrets to mastering natural light

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Ever wondered how some people can take beautiful photos with no extra equipment? What’s their secret? What’s the magical combination of settings they use on their cameras? Here’s the skinny – there’s no magic. It’s as easy as learning to read and use natural sunlight. If anything technical freaks you out, I got you. I won’t be talking about cameras or lenses or any scary stuff. Use this guide with your smartphone camera or a $5K DSLR.

Create this triadic colour portrait with this Rotolight LED lighting set-up

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With Rotolight announcing their latest powerhouse LED light, the Anova Pro 3 (check it out here), they asked me to share some of my lighting setups and techniques that showcase what this new light can do.

As anybody who has taken even the most cursory of glances at my portfolio will know, I love colour, and what originally drew me to Rotolight was exactly that, a LOT of colour! I’ve spent a very long time using coloured gels on my strobes, and although I’ve been collecting gels for well over a decade, I’m still a long way off collecting the 16+ million colours that Rotolight has packed in every light!

5 places to edit photos from to beat the working-from-home blues

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In an alternate reality, I am writing this article on my 5th cup of expensive coffee from the local hipster cafe in town. I have spent more money on hot beverages than I earned and wasted an hour on public transport.

In another universe, I am bored in my apartment, distracted by last night’s dishes and mounting piles of laundry. Both chores seem far more enticing than actually sitting down to write or edit photos. But neither of these scenes apply. Today, I am virtue signalling by working in my public library, warm and focused, and entirely for free.

How to smile naturally and look great in photos

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If you’re a portrait photographer, knowing how to make your models smile naturally is helpful. And when you are the person in front of the lens, you’ll see how difficult it is to make your smile look unforced. Whether you show your teeth or try to get that Mona Lisa smile, it’s hard not to look awkward unless you’re a professional model.

In this video, Mathieu Stern shares seven tips to help models smile naturally, and we’ll expand on them a bit. So, no matter if you’re doing a photoshoot, taking a self-portrait, or just snapping a selfie (yes, there’s a difference), these tips will help you get those genuine smiles.

How to capture the dynamic beauty of seascapes

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There’s something about the coast and the power of the sea that always makes a compelling photograph. But unfortunately, the photograph doesn’t always come out as well as the image you have in your mind. It’s surprisingly tricky to capture beautiful seascapes that tell a story.

Luckily, landscape photographer Alister Benn comes to the rescue. In this video, he gives us his best tips for photographing the wild beauty of coastal landscapes.

How to improve your photography branding in just a few hours

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When it comes to running a successful photography business, many photographers focus on capturing stunning images but often overlook the power of branding. Branding isn’t just about a logo and a font; it’s about creating a unique identity and a strong connection with your target audience.

In this excellent video, LA-based boudoir photographer Michael Sasser walks you through a few questions that you need to be able to answer to get your photography business on the right track.

How I made a 10-day timelapse video on iPhone and Galaxy

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I recently made a ten-day timelapse video on two mobile phone cameras of my hometown of Manhattan Beach, California, for multiple sunsets, moonrises, flowing clouds and all sorts of stuff the naked eye rarely gets to see.

And since it launched on YouTube, I’ve received so many questions about how the video came to be, what accessories were needed and which phone produces better timelapses.

So let me fill you in.

How to avoid six common mistakes in film photography: A beginner’s guide

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Hello, film photography explorers! As you embark on your exciting journey into the world of film, it’s essential to be aware of some common mistakes that can trip up even the most enthusiastic beginners. But fear not! We’re here to guide you through these potential pitfalls and provide some handy tips to prevent them. So, let’s get in and turn those potential “oops” moments into successful “ah-ha” ones!

You may want to check out this post about how to avoid shooting blank rolls too!

Creative colored light with silver mylar

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I’ve shared several silver mylar lighting techniques over the years, so I’m sure most of you know many of the tricks to get the best from this very cheap yet remarkable material. But if you’re new here or simply just need a reminder, what is all the fuss about when it comes to this incredibly versatile product?

As I mentioned, silver mylar is pretty cheap, and you can get it from all of the typical online mega-corps, but you won’t find it in the usual photography category. Or if you do, you’ll find it for ten times the price. Silver mylar is used for a variety of things, from food storage, party supplies, helium balloons, and even gardening, but what we’re using it for is a way to create beautiful reflective patterns. If you purchase silver mylar from the gardening section, you’ll find it available in long rolls, as the very pliable and highly reflective surface is exactly what we need to make the effect we’re after.

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